A man has "caused huge distress" to a woman with autism and learning difficulties due to his "disgraceful behaviour" at Stevenage Bus Interchange, police have said.

Police officers are investigating the Danesgate incident, which happened at around 4pm on Tuesday, March 5, as a hate crime, and are appealing for witnesses and information.

The victim, who has autism and learning/communication difficulties, was in the bus station waiting room with her support workers, when a white man in his fifties allegedly told her to "shut up and get out."

She became upset and began screaming. Another man in the waiting room then tried to intervene and was also reportedly threatened by the offender.

Detective Sergeant Kate Raine, from the Stevenage Local Crime Unit, is overseeing the investigation and said: "This is disgraceful behaviour from a member of the public, which has caused huge distress to the victim.

"The offender’s behaviour appears to have been aimed at the victim specifically due to her disabilities. For this reason, it is being treated as a hate crime and is being fully investigated.

"As part of our ongoing enquiries, we would like to hear from anybody who was at the bus station at the time and saw what happened."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact investigating officer Mason King by emailing Mason.King@herts.pnn.police.uk.

You can also report information online at orlo.uk/FwyQ9, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via the online web chat at orlo.uk/BslVj or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/20991/23.

Alternatively, you can stay anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at orlo.uk/EV7mo.